Sheepherding: A Home Away From Home for Dogs

Drummond Ranch Sheepherding is a home away from home for most city dogs accustomed to a life of leisure and little physical activity.

Sheepherding has been around for thousands of years, helping dogs become skilled runners on a mission to protect, lead, and gather livestock in one organized cluster.

At the ranch, dogs practice their instinctual and leadership skills while clocking in an adequate amount of exercise for the day. If there's one place where "All Dogs go to Heaven," it's here at the ranch, about an hour away from L.A.

In this episode of "SoCal Connected," reporter Nick Hardcastle enrolls his dog Maggie in an instinct evaluation class to figure out if his dog has what it takes to become a skilled sheepherder. You'll also hear from dog owners on the many reasons why sheep herding has contributed to the health and wellness of their dogs.

Chris, a Marine Corps veteran who has suffered from PTSD, says the ranch helped alleviate stress and provide an opportunity for him to connect with his dog on a personal level.

"I suffer from PTSD for being in the Marine Corps. I came back with a lot of anxiety, some rage, and discomfort. I knew that being with a dog helped me tremendously, so I started a career in dog training," he said. "Being out here, with animals, not even just the dogs, takes me away from everything."

The ranch, owned and run by herding expert Janna Duncan, is located in Acton, outside of Palmdale, and offers herding classes throughout the year.

Featuring Interviews With:

• Janna Duncan, owner, Drummond Ranch Sheepherding
• Andreas Gobor, dog owner
• Chris Gant, trainer